Delegation hears HB 606 to extend property tax deferral language to all uniformed service members; vote set for next week

Annapolis, Jan. 30 — Delegates heard a presentation on House Bill 606, a local bill to modernize county language for residential property tax payment deferrals so that eligibility explicitly covers all uniformed service members and certain federal uniformed services.

Delegate Congolo said HB 606 (cross-filed with Senate Bill 109) updates existing law so that "the language includes all uniformed service members, including certain reserve components, as well as members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service." She said the change follows last year's modernization of Maryland's Military Laws Act and requested the delegation's favorable consideration.

Delegates asked clarifying questions. Delegate Bagnell noted some cosponsors were not from Anne Arundel County and asked whether that posed a problem; Congolo said outside interest was expected and that several local delegates were on board. Delegate Leeman asked why NOAA was included; Congolo said the inclusion was recommended by a senator to ensure all uniformed services receive parity in benefits. Delegate Rogers added background on the distinction between the armed forces and the broader uniformed services and noted the Public Health Service and NOAA have a presence in Maryland. The chair said the bill will be added to the agenda for next week's voting session.